Thomas Johnston

1925 - 2021

Johnston, Thomas
Thomas Vincent Johnston through his many ministries in life was known as-Tom, Dad, Mr. Johnston, Pappa and Deacon Tom. Born on September 2, 1925 to George and Hannah (Lordeon) Johnston in Pittsburgh, PA. Tom graduated High School in 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He attended the College of Steubenville and was a graduate in their first graduating class. He then moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University to obtain his elementary teaching credentials and later his Masters degree. He became a teacher for the Columbus Public Schools and also taught a 6th grade science class on WOSU T.V. He became an Elementary School principal in 1959, with his longest tenure at Salem Elementary School. Tom met his wife, MaryAlice at a CYO dance. They married on June 25, 1955 and have enjoyed almost 66 years of marriage and love for their family. For his love of music Tom participated in the Singing Buckeyes and sang in various Barbershop Quartets. He became a Permanent Deacon for the Dioceses of Columbus in 1985. He served at St. Joseph Cathedral for 30 years. Additionally he served for a time as Associate Director of the Office of the Diaconate. Deacon Tom and MaryAlice shared the ministry of visiting the sick and homebound of their parish. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul (Grace) Johnston, Helen (Wayne) Kramer, MaryJean (Herb) Speer, James Johnston and Raymond Johnston. Survived by his wife, Mary Alice (Mercer). His children, Kathleen (Rick) Markin, Maureen (Murry) Mercier, Tim (Julie) Johnston. His Grandchildren, Angela (Fred) Seger, Carrie (Jason) Bercan, Christie (Adam) Walker, Murry (Ashley Ness) Mercier, Maggie (Ted) Webb, Melissa Mercier, Andrew (Amber) Johnston, Eric Markin, Michael (Haley) Johnston, Adam Markin, and his Great Grandchildren, Julia, Ava, Ashley, Aiden, Carson, Camryn, Grayson, Caden, Riley, Sophie, Charlotte, Henry, Wendy, Griffin and Grant. His Sisters-in-Law, Claudette Johnston and Emma Johnston; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8pm on Thursday, June 17 at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E Broad St. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday at 10am at St Joseph Cathedral, 212 E Broad St. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Donations may be made in Tom's name to J.O.I.N or The Backdoor Ministries at St Joseph Cathedral. Visit www.egan-ryan.com to offer condolences and view the full obituary.